OAKLAND - Already this year, the number of rabies cases is higher than average for Garrett County.

"We're running ahead in cases of rabies," Rodney Glotfelty, director of the Garrett County Health Department, told the county commissioners at their Tuesday meeting. "It seems they're heavier in the Oakland area."

There have been four cases of rabies already in the county since January, with it being confirmed in three raccoons and one skunk. He said three of the cases have been in the western part of the county in or around Oakland.

At the same time, the response from the public has been good in prevention as well. The first rabies clinics in the county saw almost 500 pets treated, he said, and the health department is holding three more in June.

On June 16, a clinic will be held at the Bittinger Fire Hall; June 17, it will be at the Garrett College Maintenance Bay; and June 19, it will be at the Eastern Garrett Fire Hall. All clinics will be held from 5 to 6 p.m.

The cost of the vaccines is $5.

"It's an important way to protect your family from rabies," Glotfelty said.

County Commissioner Fred Holliday questioned whether the baiting done by the U.S. Department of Agriculture had helped reduce the problem noticeably.

Glotfelty said that while the bait, which carried the rabies vaccine, should work in reducing rabies numbers, the USDA only covers the western part of the county.

He said it's obvious that the problem is throughout the county and into Allegany County, but that funding is the main issue in getting the baiting done much beyond the western border of the county.

Pet owners who take their animals to any of the rabies clinics in June must have dogs on a leash and cats or ferrets in a cage or tightly secured box with air holes. If a cage is not available, cats must be in a pillowcase or suitable cloth sack.

Puppies, kittens and ferrets under a year old must be vaccinated at 3 months of age and again after 12 months. Dogs and cats should be vaccinated every three years after their first series is completed. Ferrets should be vaccinated every year.

Contact Sarah Moses at smoses@times-news.com.